Regulations Restrict Movement of Some Collected Baitfish

With growing concerns over aquatic invasive species, new regulations are in place to restrict the movement of baitfish collected in eastern Nebraska.

With growing concerns over aquatic invasive species, new regulations are in place to restrict the movement of baitfish collected in eastern Nebraska.

It is now illegal for an individual or bait dealer to transport away from the Missouri River any baitfish collected on the Missouri downstream of Gavins Point Dam and all other rivers and streams east of U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to York, north of Interstate 80 from York to Lincoln and east of U.S. Highway 77 from Lincoln to the Kansas border.

The use of baitfish seined by anglers from these rivers and streams are restricted to these areas. The main concern involves the movement of small Asian carp and white perch, along with other aquatic invasive species that cannot be visually detected.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages bait dealers and anglers who collect baitfish to properly identify the fish species to ensure they are legal baitfish as listed in the 2013-2014 Fishing Guide.